While the Wizard of Oz theme park has been shut down for the past few decades, one of the former character actresses has repurposed the abandoned park so that tourists can be transported to the Land of Oz twice a year. The theme park paying homage to the classic 1939 film opened its doors for the first time on June 15, 1970. Debbie Reynolds and daughter Carrie Fisher were present to cut the ribbon during the park's opening ceremony. Guests were given the option of flying in the ski-lift hot air balloon or following the yellow brick road through the Emerald City, Munchkinland and the Wicked Witch's castle and ended up back on the farm in Kansas with Aunty Em.
Despite bringing in around 400,000 guests during its opening year, the theme park had been plagued with misfortune from the start. A few months prior to the opening, the park's creator, Grover Robbins, passed away. Fast forward to five years after the park's opening, the park's amphitheater was burned down along with two surrounding gift shops and a restaurant. The fire was believed to be a result of arson committed by robbers who stole Wizard of Oz property like dresses that Judy Garland wore while filming the movie. Despite attempts to forge on, the park was forced to close down for good in 1980.
According to The Sun, the park was abandoned for nearly 30 years until a former Dorothy character actress that worked there, Jana Greer, resurrected it. Greer oversees the park and gives tours throughout the ruins of the theme park during the Halloween season. In addition she has added annual events to attract tourists. One of the events, Journey With Dorothy, takes place every June. Guests can enter the park and receive 60 minute tours with Dorothy herself.
Its second annual event takes place in September. Starting in 2017, guests have been able to walk through the park themselves on select days. Actors dressed up as the classic Wizard of Oz characters are dispersed throughout the park to greet guests. Guests are encouraged to dress up and interact with the characters. While guests are only able to walk up until the Emerald City, it is a great opportunity for them to get a taste of the Land of Oz.
Even though it is unfortunate that such an imaginative theme park isn't able to survive, it's great that the land is being repurposed with its original intent of transporting fans to Oz and meet their favorite characters from the classic Golden Age movie. Large abandoned properties like this are rarely preserved and often demolished and reconstructed into residencies or big business commercial buildings. It is heartwarming that the spirit of the Wizard of Oz theme park can live on.
Source: The Sun